We hope you had an amazing summer and that you’re all pumped for one heck of a busy autumn season! We have some pretty big news as we’d like to introduce you to a super brand new HiVE Administrative Team:

Melissa Hope, General ManagerMelissa has worked for small organic food businesses for the past thirteen years. Besides a BA in political science, she is also a certified Pound Fit instructor and has both a ham radio license and a novice paragliding license. She actually learned to fly before she got her driver’s license, which she finally got this year at the age of 35.

When not in the air or in the gym, Melissa volunteers for a community non-profit society in various capacities and she works on digitizing public domain books to preserve Canadian culture and make it more accessible. She also enjoys weaving, reading, and walking (even in the rain).

Melissa is looking forward to travelling more, especially within Canada. One of her next goals is to paraglide under the midnight sun on the summer solstice in Dawson City, Yukon. She is also excited to start promoting coworking along with other cooperative values: local businesses, car sharing, and creative commons.

Maya Goodwill, Marketing & Events CoordinatorMaya is passionate about using her marketing and business skills to affect positive social change – that’s what first attracted her to the complex world of social entrepreneurship. Not content with “business as usual”, she has set out to dedicate her to career to support, connect, and build the infrastructure for those who are working to change the world for the better. She has spent time studying and working in Montreal, Barcelona, Toronto, but has a special place in her heart for her hometown – Vancouver.

Maya holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing and International Business from McGill University and her past experience ranges from working at the Centre for Social Innovation in Toronto, Marketing and Communications work with Tides Canada, and starting #hatch Vancouver; an event where social entrepreneurs can share ideas and get feedback. She’s also been channeling her organizational tendencies into planning events of all kinds for the past decade.

Maya is in her happy place when found dancing (in the “alone in your room” style), learning about and sharing new ideas, and has a bad case of the travel bug. She also loves vegetable gardens, maps and laughing, in no particular order.

Finally, we would also like to say thank you and wish the best of luck to Margarete Hernandez, who is leaving her post as HiVE General Manager this month. Marg has been with the HiVE for three years (from intern to General Manager!) and the HiVE is eternally grateful for everything she has done to help it grow as a community. You may connect with her via LinkedIn or email as she moves on to focus on other creative and community building endeavours.